What is St. John's wort?

Answer

St. John's wort
is an herbal remedy that comes from the plant, Hypericum perforatu. Many people believe that
St. John's wort can improve symptoms of anxiety and mild depression. There are at least ten
active compounds in St. John's wort and it's not yet clear which of them are responsible for
the herb's activity.

Some research studies showed that St. John's wort is equal or less effective
to the older antidepressants like amitriptyline
(Elavil®) and imipramine (Tofranil®). Recent
studies have also reported that St. John's wort reduces symptoms of mild to moderate depression
just as well as newer antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac® ) and sertraline (Zoloft®). Longer term
studies are needed to confirm and validate these effects. It may take up to eight weeks to feel
the full effects of this herb. If you don't notice improvement after four to six weeks, let
your doctor know.

St. John's wort
is available in drops, extracts, capsules, tablets, and powders. In most research for
depression, people took an extract containing 0.3% hypericin at a dose of 300mg three times a
day.

Most common St. John's wort side effects

The most commonly reported side effects of St. John's wort are nausea and sun
sensitivity. Fair-skinned people should use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher while
spending long periods in the sun. Less common side effects are dry mouth, itching and rash,
fatigue, and restlessness. Pregnant women should not take St. John's wort.

Interactions with St. John's wort

St. John's
wortt is generally considered a safe treatment but there are several known interactions
with various drugs. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health reported that St. John's
wort can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the protease inhibitor indinavir (Crixivan®) which is
often prescribed for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. When taken
with St. John's
wort, levels of Crixivan® in the
blood dropped dramatically. This drug interaction could allow a patient's virus infection to
worsen or increase the odds that the virus will develop resistance to the drug.

Another recent study has found that St. John's wort can interfere with cyclosporine, a
drug used to keep transplant patients from rejecting their new organs. Other drugs that may be
similarly affected include other antiviral medicines, certain heart medicines, birth control
pills, seizure medicines, antianxiety drugs, anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin®), and
anticancer drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that people who take any of
these drugs consult their doctor before using St. John's wort.

In addition, don't combine St. John's wort with the prescription
medicines piroxicam (Feldene®) or tetracycline.
These combinations can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight and increase the chance of
severe sunburn. It's also wise to avoid taking St. John's wort along with other types of drugs
and supplements as well, including prescription antidepressants, bromocriptine
(Parlodel®),
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), yohimbine, or ma
huang. In rare cases, these combinations may lead to headache, sweating, dizziness, muscle
spasms, and increased blood pressure.

This list is not all-inclusive, so always be sure to talk to your doctor before taking herbal
or alternative medicines.

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